Madagascar vs Bolivia
Madagascar has a population of 31.7M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Madagascar is 2.8 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Bolivia ($54.9B) has a GDP 3.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 1.9 times larger than Madagascar's 587,041 km². Life expectancy in Bolivia stands at 68.6 years, 4.9 years higher than Madagascar's 63.6 years.
MadagascarBolivia| Population | +179.2%31.7M | -64.2%11.4M |
| Area | -46.6%587,041 km² | +87.1%1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | -68.3%$17.4B | +215.0%$54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | -87.7%$544.988 | +711.2%$4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.2%63.6 yrs | +7.8%68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +121.0%44.2 | -54.8%20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +2.5%3.0% | -2.4%3.0% |
| Capital | Antananarivo | Sucre |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French, Malagasy | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | MGA (Ar) | BOB (Bs.) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Madagascar is 2.8 times more populous than Bolivia, with 31.7M residents compared to 11.4M. Madagascar is a nation of 31.7M people, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Madagascar averages 54 people per km² (moderate), while Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse). While Madagascar has grown at 2.61% annually over the past decade, Bolivia has grown at 1.37% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Madagascar is classified as a low-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bolivia economy ($54.9B) is 3.2 times larger than Madagascar's ($17.4B). Madagascar's GDP per capita of $544.988 is 75% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Bolivia's GDP per capita of $4,421.166 is 67% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Bolivia are on average 8.1 times wealthier than those in Madagascar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Madagascar is 63.6 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 4.9 years. Bolivia (68.6 years) is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Madagascar (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 44.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Madagascar's infant mortality is 121% higher than Bolivia's 20.0.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Madagascar (587,041 km²). Madagascar shares borders with 0 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Madagascar spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Madagascar lies in Africa, while Bolivia is located in South America. Madagascar is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Bolivia belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Madagascar and Bolivia is in GDP per capita: Madagascar's $544.988 compared to Bolivia's $4,421.166 represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Bolivia is in GDP: Madagascar's $17.4B compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 68% gap. The most significant difference between Madagascar and Bolivia is in population: Madagascar's 31.7M compared to Bolivia's 11.4M represents a 64% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Madagascar's low-income economy and Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Bolivia has a GDP per capita of $4,421.166, which is 8.1x that of Madagascar ($544.988). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Bolivia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Madagascar is 5.2x more densely populated than Bolivia (54 vs 10 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Bolivia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bolivia live an average of 4.9 years longer than those of Madagascar (68.6 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Madagascar's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Madagascar has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Madagascar vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bolivia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Madagascar vs Bolivia for Budget Travelers
Madagascar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $544.988 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Madagascar can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bolivia. However, Bolivia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Madagascar vs Bolivia for Retirees
Bolivia's life expectancy of 68.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Madagascar may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Madagascar vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Bolivia's GDP per capita is 8.1x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bolivia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Madagascar can approach or exceed average costs in Bolivia's smaller cities.
Madagascar vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Madagascar or Bolivia by population?
Madagascar is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Madagascar is 2.8 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Madagascar or Bolivia?
Bolivia has the higher GDP at $54.9B, compared to Madagascar's $17.4B. Bolivia's economy is 3.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Madagascar and Bolivia?
Bolivia has a higher life expectancy at 68.6 years, compared to Madagascar's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.9 years. Madagascar's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Bolivia's is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Madagascar or Bolivia?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Madagascar's 587,041 km². Bolivia is 1.9 times larger than Madagascar.
What languages are spoken in Madagascar and Bolivia?
Madagascar recognizes the following languages: French, Malagasy. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Madagascar or Bolivia?
Inflation data is not available for Madagascar. Bolivia's inflation rate is 5.1%.
Is Madagascar or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 vs 44.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Madagascar offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...
Is Madagascar or Bolivia cheaper to visit?
Madagascar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $544.988 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Madagascar can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bolivia. However, Bolivia may offer better v...
Is Madagascar or Bolivia better for retirement?
Bolivia's life expectancy of 68.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Madagascar may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Madagascar or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Bolivia's GDP per capita is 8.1x that of Madagascar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bolivia, while Madagascar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Madagascar or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Madagascar and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Madagascar spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Madagascar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching re...